SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Dated September 5, 2001
Filed by the registrant [x]
Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary proxy statement
[ ] Confidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive proxy statement
[ ] Definitive additional materials
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
________________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other than Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee Computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
_____________________________________________
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
_____________________________________________
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
________________________
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
______________________________________________________
5) Total fee paid:_______________________________________
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount previously paid:______________________________________________
2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:________________________
3) Filing party:________________________________________________________
4) Date filed:__________________________________________________________
NOTICE OF 2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT
MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC.
[GRAPHIC_OMITTED]
MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC.
1300 Main Street
Atchison, Kansas 66002
September 14, 2001
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
To the Stockholders:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Midwest Grain Products, Inc. will be
held at the Atchison Heritage Conference Center, 710 South 9th Street, Atchison,
Kansas 66002, on Thursday, October 11, 2001, beginning at 10:00 a.m., local
time, for the following purposes:
o To elect three directors, each for a three-year term expiring in 2004;
and
o To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Holders of Common and Preferred Stock of record on the books of the Company
at the close of business on August 17, 2001, will be entitled to vote at the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
STOCKHOLDERS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY SO THAT, IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND
THE MEETING, YOUR SHARES MAY NEVERTHELESS BE VOTED.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Laidacker M. Seaberg
Laidacker M. Seaberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of Proxy are being furnished in
connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Midwest Grain Products, Inc. (the "Company") to be held on
Thursday, October 11, 2001, as set forth in the preceding Notice. It is expected
that this Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of Proxy will be mailed to
Stockholders commencing September 14, 2001.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock of the
Company at the close of business on August 17, 2001 are entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The presence in person or by proxy of persons
entitled to vote a majority of the issued and outstanding stock of each class of
stock entitled to vote will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business
at the meeting. As of August 17, 2001, there were 8,166,554 shares of Common
Stock outstanding and 437 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding.
Generally, holders of Common and Preferred Stock each vote separately as a
class with respect to each matter that the class is authorized to vote on with
each share of stock in each class being entitled to one vote. In connection with
the election of directors, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote on
the election of Group A directors and the holders of Preferred Stock are
entitled to vote on the election of Group B directors. The candidates for office
which receive the highest number of votes will be elected. Although no other
proposals are scheduled to come before the meeting, the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting (or such
higher voting requirement as may be specified by law or the Company's Articles
of Incorporation) is required for approval of other proposals.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of
determining the existence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will be
treated as shares present and entitled to vote for purposes of any matter
requiring the affirmative vote of a majority or other proportion of the shares
present and entitled to vote. With respect to shares relating to any proxy as to
which a broker non-vote is indicated on a proposal, those shares will not be
considered present and entitled to vote with respect to any such proposal. With
respect to any matter brought before the Annual Meeting requiring the
affirmative vote of a majority or other proportion of the outstanding shares of
a class, an abstention or non-vote will have the same effect as a vote against
the matter being voted upon.
Any Stockholder giving a Proxy may revoke it at any time prior to its use by
executing a later dated Proxy or by filing a written revocation with the
Secretary of the Company. A Proxy may also be revoked by appearing at the
meeting and voting by written ballot. All shares represented by a Proxy in the
enclosed form that is properly executed and received in time for the meeting and
not revoked will be voted. If a choice is specified with respect to any matter
to be acted upon, the shares will be voted in accordance with the specification
so made. If no choice is specified, the Proxy will be voted FOR each of the
nominees named on the Proxy with respect to the election of directors.
The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 1300 Main
Street, Atchison, Kansas 66002 and the Company's telephone number at that
address is (913) 367-1480.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees
One Group A Director and two Group B Directors are required to be elected at
the Annual Meeting. The holders of the Common Stock are entitled to vote for the
person nominated for the Group A position. The holders of Preferred Stock are
entitled to vote for the persons nominated for the Group B positions. James A.
Schlindwein has been nominated by the Board of Directors for election to the
Group A position for a term expiring at the Annual Meeting in 2004. Cloud L.
Cray, Jr., and Robert J. Reintjes have been nominated by the Board of Directors
for election to the Group B positions for terms expiring at the Annual Meeting
in 2004. Messrs. Cray and Reintjes are now and have been directors of the
Company for more than the past two years. Mr. Schlindwein has served as a
director since June 2001. Each of the nominees have consented to serve if
elected. If for any reason any of the nominees should not be available or able
to serve, the Proxies will exercise discretionary authority to vote for
substitutes deemed by them to be in the best interests of the Company.
GROUP A NOMINEE
(For a term expiring in 2004)
JAMES A. SCHLINDWEIN Mr. Schlindwein, age 72, has been a director since June
2001 when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term
of a member who previously resigned. He is a member of
the Audit and Human Resources Committees. He is a
retired senior executive of SYSCO corporation. He also
serves on the board of directors of Imperial Sugar
Company.
GROUP B NOMINEES
(For terms expiring in 2004)
CLOUD L. CRAY, JR. Mr. Cray, age 78, has been a director since 1957, and
has served as Chairman of the Board since 1980. He
served as Chief Executive Officer from 1980 to
September, 1988, and has been an officer of the Company
and its affiliates for more than 30 years.
2
ROBERT J. REINTJES Mr. Reintjes, age 69, has been a director since 1986.
He is Chairman of the Audit Review Committee and a
member of the Nominating and Human Resources
Committees. He has served as president of Geo. P.
Reintjes Co., Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, for the
past 24 years. Geo. P. Reintjes Co., Inc. is engaged in
the business of refractory construction. He is a
director of Butler Manufacturing Company, a
manufacturer of pre-engineered buildings, and Commerce
Bank of Kansas City.
OTHER
GROUP A DIRECTORS
MICHAEL R. HAVERTY Mr. Haverty, age 55, has been a director since October
1999. His present term expires in 2002. He is Chairman
of the Nominating Committee and a member of the Audit
Review and Human Resources Committees. Since January 1,
2001, he has been the Chairman, President and CEO of
Kansas City Southern Industries, Inc. From 1995 until
January 1, 2001, he was Executive Vice President of
Kansas City Southern Industries, Inc. He also has
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The
Kansas City Southern Railway Company since 1995. Mr.
Haverty previously served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Haverty Corporation from 1993 to
May, 1995, acted as an independent executive
transportation adviser from 1991 to 1993 and was
President and Chief Operating Officer of The Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company from 1989 to 1991.
He is also a director of Kansas City Southern
Industries, Inc. and Grupo Transportacion Ferroviaria
Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.
LINDA E. MILLER Ms. Miller, age 48, has been a director since June,
2000. Her present term expires in 2003. She is a member
of the Audit Review Committee and the Human Resources
Committee. She is an independent marketing consultant
and has been a Program Director of the University of
Kansas School of Journalism since 1996. She was
Marketing Director of the American Business Women's
Association, Kansas City, Missouri from 1990 to 1996.
3
DARYL R. SCHALLER, Ph.D. Dr. Schaller, age 57, has been a director since
October, 1997. His present term expires in 2003. He is
Chairman of the Human Resources Committee and a member
of the Audit Review and Nominating Committees. He is
president of Schaller Consulting, a consulting firm. He
retired from Kellogg Co. in 1996 after 25 years of
service. He served Kellogg as its Senior Vice President
-- Scientific Affairs from 1994, and previously was
Senior Vice President -- Research, Quality and
Nutrition for Kellogg.
OTHER
GROUP B DIRECTORS
MICHAEL BRAUDE Mr. Braude, age 65, has been a director since 1991. His
present term expires in 2003. He is a member of the
Audit, Human Resources and Nominating Committees. Since
November 2000, he has been Executive Vice President of
Country Club Bank, Kansas City, Missouri. Previously,
from 1984 until his retirement in November 2000, he was
the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas
City Board of Trade, a commodity futures exchange.
Prior to 1984, he was Executive Vice President and a
Director of American Bank & Trust Company of Kansas
City. Mr. Braude is a director of NPC International,
Inc., an operator of numerous Pizza Hut and other quick
service restaurants throughout the United States,
Country Club Bank, Kansas City, Missouri and National
Futures Association, a member and Past Chairman of the
National Grain Trade Council and a trustee of the
University of Midwest Research Institute.
RANDALL M. SCHRICK Mr. Schrick, age 51, has been a director since 1987.
His present term expires in 2002. He joined the Company
in 1973 and has been Vice President of Operations since
July 1992. From 1984 to July, 1992 he was Vice
President and General Manager of the Pekin plant. From
1982 to 1984 he was the Plant Manager of the Pekin
Plant. Prior to 1982, he was Production Manager at the
Atchison plant.
LAIDACKER M. SEABERG Mr. Seaberg, age 55, has been a director since 1979.
His present term expires in 2002. He joined the Company
in 1969 and has served as the President of the Company
since 1980 and as Chief Executive Officer since
September, 1988. He is the son-in-law of Mr. Cray, Jr.
4
Certain information concerning the Board and its Committees
The Board has three standing committees: Audit, Nominating and Human
Resources.
Non-employee directors are paid a retainer at the rate of $2,500 quarterly,
$625 for attendance at each meeting of the Board, and $312.50 for attendance at
each meeting of a committee of the Board. Employee directors receive a fee of
$437.50 for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to a
stockholder approved plan, each non-employee director also receives an automatic
grant of an option to purchase 1,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock on the
first business day following each annual meeting of stockholders at a price
equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on that date. Options become
exercisable on the 184th day following the date of grant and expire on the
sooner of (a) ten years from the date of grant, (b) three years following
termination of the director's office due to retirement following age 70, (c) one
year following termination of the director's office due to death or (d) 90 days
following the date of the termination of the director's term of office for any
other reason.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001, the Board met seven times, the
Audit Review Committee met three times, the Human Resources Committee met three
times and the Nominating Committee met once. The attendance at Committee and
Board meetings by all directors in the aggregate was 95.5%. Each director
attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and the Committees of which
the director was a member.
The Audit Review Committee reviews the process involved in the preparation of
the Company's annual audited financial statements and recommends to the Board of
Directors an independent accountant to conduct that audit and to review the
Company's quarterly financial statements. It also reviews and makes
recommendations with regard to the process involved in the Company's
implementation of its conflict of interest and business conduct policy. In
connection with this work, the Committee annually reviews: (a) the adequacy of
the Audit Review Committee's written Charter, that has been adopted by the Board
of Directors; (b) the independence and financial literacy of each member of the
Audit Review Committee; (c) the plan for and scope of the annual audit; (d) fees
proposed by the Company's auditors; (e) certain matters relating to the
independence of the Auditor; (f) certain matters required to be discussed with
the Auditors relative to the quality of the Company's accounting principles; (f)
the audited financial statements and results of the annual audit; (g)
recommendations of the Auditors with respect to internal controls and other
financial matters; (h) significant changes in accounting principles that are
brought to the attention of the Committee; and (i) various other matters that
are brought to the attention of the Committee. The Board of Directors has
determined that each Audit Committee member is "independent", as that term is
defined in Rule 4200 (a) (15) of the National Association of Securities Dealers'
listing standards.
The Human Resources Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the
compensation of all officers and employees who report directly to the Chief
Executive Officer. The Committee approves a bonus system for various key
employees and reviews the scope and type of compensation plans for management
personnel. The Committee administers the Company's Executive Stock Bonus Plan,
the Salaried and Senior Stock Incentive Plans and the Directors' Stock Option
Plans, and also serves as an executive search committee.
The Nominating Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the
qualifications for new director nominees, candidates for nomination and policies
concerning compensation and length of
5
service. The Committee considers written recommendations from stockholders
concerning these subjects and suggests that they may be addressed to the
Secretary of the Company. Recommendations for director nominees should provide
pertinent information concerning the candidates' background and experience.
OTHER MATTERS
At this time the Company has no knowledge of any matters to come before the
meeting for action by the stockholders other than the election of directors.
However, if any other matters come before the meeting, it is the intention of
the persons named in the accompanying Proxy to vote the Proxy in their best
judgment.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the audited
financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001; has discussed with
the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by SAS 61
(Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, AU ss. 380), as modified or
supplemented; has received the written disclosures and letter from the
independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, as
may be modified or supplemented; and has discussed with the independent auditors
the auditors' independence. Based on such review and discussions, the Audit
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial
statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001 be included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
This report is made over the name of each continuing member of the Audit
Committee at the time of such recommendation, namely Robert J. Reintjes
(Chairman), Michael Braude, Michael R. Haverty, Linda E. Miller, and Daryl R.
Schaller, Ph. D. and James A. Schlindwein.
AUDIT AND CERTAIN OTHER FEES PAID ACCOUNTANTS
The aggregate fees billed the Company by its principal accountant, Baird,
Kurtz & Dobson, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001 for (i) professional
services rendered for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements and
the reviews of the financial statements included in the Company's reports on
Form 10-Q during such fiscal year, (ii) financial information systems design and
implementation as described in paragraph (c)(4)(ii)of Rule 2-01 of Regulation
S-X during such year and (iii) for all other services were as set forth in the
following table. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of
such services is compatible with maintaining the independence of Baird, Kurtz &
Dobson.
Type of Fee Amount
----------- -------
Audit Fees $93,000
Financial Information Systems Design
and Implementation Fees 13,500
All Other Fees 45,345
6
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation for each
of the years ending June 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999 awarded to, earned by, or paid
to the five most highly compensated executive officers of the Company for
services rendered in each of those years:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term
Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
-------------------------------------------- --------------
Securities
Other Annual Underlying All Other
Name and Salary Bonus Compensation Options Compensation
Principal Position Year ($) (1) ($) ($) (#) ($) (1)
- ----------------------------- ------- ----------- ----------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Laidacker M. Seaberg 2001 $369,000 $37,740 --- 24,000 (2) $15,308
President and Chief 2000 357,750 20,050 --- 24,000 14,402
Executive Officer 1999 335,050 26,735 --- 24,000 14,402
Randy M. Schrick 2001 170,162 17,466 --- 12,000 (2) 15,308
Vice President of 2000 165,966 9,032 --- 12,000 14,402
Operations 1999 154,350 12,316 --- 12,000 14,409
Robert G. Booe 2001 171,790 17,633 --- 12,000 (2) 15,308
Vice President- 2000 166,757 9,346 --- 12,000 14,402
Finance and 1999 154,350 12,316 --- 12,000 14,409
Administration and Chief
Financial Officer
Sukh Bassi, Ph.D. 2001 170,154 17,465 --- 7,000 (2) 15,308
Vice President- 2000 166,757 9,346 --- 12,000 14,402
Specialty Ingredients 1999 154,350 12,316 --- 12,000 14,409
Marketing and Sales,
Research and
Development
Dennis Sprague 2001 156,817 16,096 --- 7,000 15,308
Vice President-Alcohol & 2000 155,178 8,697 --- 12,000 14,402
Feed Marketing and 1999 145,000 11,570 --- 12,000 14,103
Sales
_________________
(1) Consists of the amount of the Company's contributions to the Company's
Employee Stock Ownership Plans and 401(k) plan allocated to the accounts of
each executive officer for the years indicated.
(2) These options replace options that were cancelled on December 7, 2000. For
more information, refer to the Option Grants in Fiscal 2001 and 10-Year
Option/SAR Repricing tables below.
7
Stock Options
The following table contains information concerning the grant of stock
options under the Company's Stock Incentive Plan of 1996 to the Named Executive
Officers during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 2001
Individual Grants
---------------------------------------------------------- Potential
Realizable Value
Number of % of Total at Assumed
Securities Options Annual Rates of
Underlying Granted to Stock Price
Options Employees Exercise Appreciation for
Granted in Fiscal Price Expiration Option Term
Name (#) Year * ($/Sh) Date 5% ($) 10% ($)
- ---------------------- ------------ ---------- --------- -------- ------- -------
Laidacker M. Seaberg 24,000 23.3% $9.3125 6/8/11 $110,976 $307,968
Randy M. Schrick 12,000 11.6% 9.3125 6/8/11 55,488 153,984
Robert G. Booe 12,000 11.6% 9.3125 6/8/11 55,488 153,984
Sukh Bassi, Ph.D. 7,000 6.8% 9.3125 6/8/11 32,368 89,824
Dennis Sprague 7,000 6.8% 9.3125 12/7/10 41,090 103,670
_______________
* During the fiscal year, options covering an additional 24,460 shares were
granted to salaried employees other than executive officers. The
percentages shown in the table do not reflect these shares. If those shares
were to be included in the calculation, the percentages would be 18.8% for
Mr. Seaberg, 9.4% for Messrs. Schrick and Booe and 5.5% for Messrs Bassi
and Sprague.
(1) These options were granted in connection with the cancellation on December
7, 2001 of options granted in January 1996. See "Report of Human Resources
Committee."
(2) Options granted have an exercise price equal to $9.3125. This was fair
market value on December 7, 2000, the date options were granted to Mr.
Sprague and the date of cancellation of previously granted options that the
options granted on June 8, 2001 to the other Named Executive Officers
replaced. The options granted to Mr. Sprague vest in equal increments over
a four year period, subject to accelerated vesting in the event of death or
normal retirement. The options granted to the other Named Executive
Officers replaced options that were fully vested when cancelled; therefore,
the new options were granted on a fully vested basis. Subject to provisions
of the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan providing for earlier termination upon the
occurrence of certain events, the options expire ten years after their
respective dates of grant. Optionees may provide for withholding taxes on
those options that are not incentive options under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code by delivering previously issued shares of stock or
directing the Company to withhold shares otherwise issuable upon exercise
of such options.
8
Ten-Year Option/SAR Repricing
The following table sets forth for all executive officers of the Company all
option repricings during the period July 1, 1991 through June 30, 2001. During
such period, there was one repricing with respect to the options set forth
below. See "Report of the Human Resources Committee - Stock Incentive Plan of
1996."
Number of Length of
Securities Original
Underlying Market Price of Exercise Price Option Term
Options/SARs Stock At Time of At Time of New Remaining At
Repriced or Repricing or Repricing or Exercise Date of
Name (Title) Date Amended (#) Amendment ($) Amendment ($) Price ($) Repricing Or
- ------------------------ ------- ------------- ---------------- -------------- --------- Amendment
----------
Ladd M. Seaberg (1) 12/7/00 24,000 $9.3125 $14.00 $9.3125 5.1 years
Randall M. Schrick (1) 12/7/00 12,000 9.3125 14.00 9.3125 5.1 years
Robert G. Booe (1) 12/7/00 12,000 9.3125 14.00 9.3125 5.1 years
Dr. Sukh Bassi (1) 12/7/00 7,000 9.3125 14.00 9.3125 5.1 years
Gerald Lasater (Vice 12/7/00 7,000 9.3125 14.00 9.3125 5.1 years
President)
(1) See Summary Compensation Table for titles of current Named Executive
Officers.
Option Exercises and Year End Holdings
The following table provides information, with respect to the Named Executive
Officers, concerning the exercise of options during the fiscal year ended June
30, 2001, and unexercised options held as of the end of fiscal 2001:
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 2001
AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
Number of
Securities Value of
Underlying Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at Options at
FY-End (#) FY-End ($)
Shares Acquired Value Realized Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name on Exercise (#) ($) Unexercisable Unexercisable
- ---------------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
Laidacker M. Seaberg --- --- 84,000/36,000 $64,650/$57,600
Randy M. Schrick --- --- 42,000/18,000 $32,460/$28,880
Robert G. Booe --- --- 42,000/18,000 $32,460/$28,880
Sukh Bassi, Ph.D. --- --- 28,250/16,750 $22,830/$28,880
Dennis Sprague --- --- 14,250/23,750 $22,830/$28,880
9
Performance of the Company's Common Stock
The following performance graph compares the performance of the Company's
Common Stock during the period beginning June 30, 1996 and ending June 30, 2001,
to the Center for Research in Security Prices of the University of Chicago
School of Business ("CRSP") index for the NASDAQ Stock Market (the "NASDAQ
COMPOSITE" index consisting of US companies) and a peer group CRSP index
consisting of 61 active NASDAQ stocks of US processors of food and kindred
products having SIC codes between 2000 - 2099 (the "NASDAQ Food" index) for the
same period. The graph assumes a $100 investment in the Company's Common Stock
and in each of the indexes at the beginning of the period and a reinvestment of
dividends paid on such investments throughout the period.
VALUE OF $100 INVESTMENTS
ASSUMING REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AT JUNE 30, 1996
AND AT EACH SUBSEQUENT JUNE 30
[GRAPH OMITTED]
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
MWGP $100 $102 $112 $86 $64 $87
NASDAQ FOOD $100 $118 $145 $149 $144 $185
NASDAQ COMPOSITE $100 $122 $160 $230 $340 $185
10
Report of the Human Resources Committee
Human Resources Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. Executive
compensation is based primarily upon recommendations made to the Board of
Directors by the Company's Human Resources Committee (the "Committee"). The
Committee for the year ended June 30, 2001, consisted of Daryl R. Schaller, Ph.
D. (Chairman), Michael R. Haverty, Robert J. Reintjes, Linda E. Miller, and
Michael Braude. At present the Committee consists of the same members plus James
A. Schlindwein. All of the members of the Committee are non-employee directors
of the Company. The Committee recommends to the Board of Directors compensation
and compensation plans for officers and employees who report directly to the
Chief Executive Officer. The recommendations are acted upon by the full board
which includes Messrs. Seaberg and Schrick, who are two of the five highest paid
officers of the Company.
This report is provided by the Committee to assist stockholders in
understanding the Committee's philosophy in establishing the compensation of the
Chief Executive Officer and all other Executive Officers of the Company for the
year ended June 30, 2001 ("the Year").
Compensation Philosophy. Historically, executive compensation has been
designed to link rewards with business results and stockholder returns
consistent with (a) the executive's level of responsibility, (b) compensation
paid to the executive in the prior year, (c) the Company's performance for the
Year and the prior year, (d) the executive's individual performance for the Year
and the prior year, (e) salary levels for executives in comparable positions in
comparable enterprises, (f) inflation and (g) a variety of other factors. The
components of Executive Compensation which reflect this philosophy consist of
(i) annual base salary, (ii) annual cash bonuses, (iii) annual stock bonuses,
(iv) stock options and (v) equity based retirement compensation which is
reflected in the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan and 401(k) Plan. In
formulating its compensation recommendations, the Committee considers
information and recommendations provided by management and by Hay Management
Consultants, a nationally known and recognized firm of management consultants.
Base Salary. The past practice of the Committee has been to establish base
salaries of all executives prior to the beginning of the Year based on the
various factors described in the preceding paragraph. In 2001, the Committee
increased base salaries to the levels indicated in the Summary Compensation
Table to keep salary levels reasonably consistent with inflation and salary
levels for executives in comparable positions in comparable enterprises. These
increases were based in large part on studies conducted by Hay Management
Consultants.
Annual Cash Bonuses. Annual cash bonuses are paid primarily pursuant to a
Cash Bonus Plan. Under that plan, each executive, along with all other nonunion
personnel, become entitled to cash bonuses, payable annually, of up to 25% of
each employee's base salary to the extent that certain Company performance
targets are met. In 2001, some of the targets were met, and this resulted in
average bonuses for all covered employees of between 5.86% and 10.45%.
The Committee has also authorized a $50,000 bonus pool that may be paid at
the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer to reward superior performance
during the Year by any employee of the Company other than the CEO.
11
Stock Incentive Plan of 1996. In January, 1996, the Board of Directors, upon
recommendation of the Committee, adopted the Stock Incentive Plan of 1996. The
Plan was approved by stockholders at the Annual Meeting in 1996. The Board and
the Committee took this action due to a recognized need to provide medium term
incentives for the retention and motivation of Senior Executives consistent with
current needs to conserve cash. Since that action, the Committee has granted
options to Senior Executives on an annual basis.
Since options were first granted in 1996 under the Stock Incentive Plan, the
market price of the Company's Common Stock has declined due in large part to
competitive market forces and government policies beyond management's control.
By 2000, all of the outstanding options held by senior management were out of
the money and provided little value as an incentive. Further, substantially all
of the shares available for issue under the Stock Incentive Plan were subject to
options issued prior to 2000. Out of concern about market overhang, the Human
Resources Committee and the Board of Directors determined not to seek approval
of a plan amendment or a new plan authorizing issuance of additional shares.
However, the Human Resources Committee and the Board of Directors believe that
stock options remain an important component of the Company's compensation
program and determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company to
restore incentive by granting options to certain members of senior management
who agreed to cancel options that had been granted to them in January 1996. The
Company agreed that such persons who cancelled their options would be granted a
new option one day and six months after cancellation for a like number of shares
at a price equal to the greater of fair market value on the date of cancellation
or fair market value on the new grant date. Other terms of the new options would
be substantially the same as the cancelled options except for the expiration
date. Because the old options were fully vested, the new options would be fully
exercisable when granted. On December 7, 2000, the Chief Executive Officer and
each of the named executive officers agreed to cancel options granted in January
1996 with an exercise price of $14 per share; on June 8, 2001, the Company
granted such persons options for a like number of shares at an exercise price of
$9.3125 per share, which was the closing market price of the Company's Common
Stock on December 7, 2000. Additional information about these options may be
found in tables set forth at pages 8 and 9 herein.
Equity Based Retirement Compensation. The final component of executive
compensation consists of equity based retirement compensation through
participation in the Company's employee stock ownership plans for salaried and
certain hourly employees ("Salaried ESOP") and 401(k) Plan. The amount of the
Company's contributions to the Salaried ESOP and the 401(k) Plan is determined
by the Board each year based upon the recommendation of the Committee. The
Committee bases its recommendation primarily upon Company performance for the
Year.
Under the Salaried ESOP, amounts contributed by the Company are invested in
shares of the Company's Common Stock. Shares purchased are allocated to
participant accounts in proportion to the participant's eligible compensation
(as defined). Generally, accounts are distributed to participants who have
completed at least ten years of service upon death, permanent disability or
retirement. In fiscal 2001, the Company contributed an amount equal to 4-1/2% of
eligible compensation for the Salaried ESOP. This is a 50% reduction from the
prior year; however, during the current year, the Board determined that half of
the amount that otherwise would have been contributed under the Salaried ESOP
should be contributed to the Company's 401(k) Plan, described below.
12
The Company has maintained a 401(k) Plan for the benefit of employees for
several years but has not heretofore made a contribution to it. During the
current year, the Board determined to reduce the Company's contribution to the
Salaried ESOP and to contribute an amount equal to the reduction to the 401(k)
Plan. Five years service is required for full vesting in the amount of the
Company contribution. In fiscal 2001, the Company contributed an amount equal to
4-1/2% of eligible compensation to the 401(k) Plan.
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer for 2001. All of the components
of the 2001 compensation of the Chief Executive Officer were determined in
accordance with the criteria described above for other Senior Executives.
This report is being made over the names of Daryl R. Schaller, Ph. D.
(Chairman), Michael R. Haverty, Robert J. Reintjes, Linda E. Miller, and Michael
Braude, who are the continuing members of the Committee which passed on
Executive Compensation for the Year.
13
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth as of July 1, 2001, the number of shares
beneficially owned and the percentage of ownership of the Company's Preferred
Stock and Common Stock by (i) each person who is known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of either class of the Company's capital stock
outstanding, (ii) each director of the Company, (iii) each of the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and (iv) all directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group.
Shares Beneficially Owned (a)
-----------------------------------------------
Stockholder Common Stock Preferred Stock
----------- No. of Shares % No. of Shares %
------------- --- ------------- ---
Sukh Bassi, Ph. D.(b)(c).............. 41,838 *
Robert G. Booe (b)(d)(e).............. 107,003 1.30
Michael Braude (b).................... 14,613 *
Brian Cahill (d)...................... 25,411 *
Cloud L. Cray, Jr.(b)(f)(g)........... 2,238,401 27.39 333 76.2
Richard B. Cray (f)(h)................ 40,675 * 334 76.4
Michael R. Haverty (b)................ 10,709 *
Linda E. Miller (b)................... 2,965 *
Robert J. Reintjes (b)(i)............. 21,265 *
Dave Rindom (d)(j).................... 7,280 *
Daryl Schaller (b).................... 9,521 *
Randy M. Schrick (b)(d)(k)............ 61,561 *
James Schlindwein .................... -0-
Laidacker M. Seaberg (b)(d)(f)(l)..... 592,597 7.18 404 92.4
Dennis Sprague (b).................... 14,250 *
Cray Family Trust (f)................. -- -- 333 76.2
Trustees of the Company's ESOPs,
(Robert G. Booe, Brian Cahill, Dave
Rindom, Randy Schrick and
Ladd Seaberg)(d)................. 881,748 10.75
All Executive Officers and Directors
as a Group of 18 (b)(m)............. 4,067,102 48.2 405 92.6
- -------------
* less than 1%
(a) For the purposes of the table, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner
of shares if the person has or shares the power to vote or to dispose of
them. Except as otherwise indicated in the table or the footnotes below,
each person had sole voting and investment power over the shares listed in
the beneficial ownership table and all stockholders shown in the table as
having beneficial ownership of 5% or more of either of the classes of stock
had business addresses at 1300 Main Street, Atchison, Kansas 66002, as of
July 1, 2001.
14
Stockholders disclaim beneficial ownership in the shares described in the
footnotes as being "held by" or "held for the benefit of" other persons.
(b) The table includes shares which may be acquired pursuant to stock options
granted under the Company's stock option plans that become exercisable on
or before September 1, 2001. These consist of options held by three
non-employee directors (Messrs Braude, Cray and Reintjes) to purchase 5,000
shares each, one non-employee director (Mr. Schaller) to purchase 4,000
shares, one non-employee director (Mr Haverty) to purchase 2,000 shares and
one non-employee director (Ms. Miller) to purchase 1,000 shares, options
held by Messrs. Bassi, Booe, Schrick, Seaberg and Sprague to purchase
28,250, 42,000, 42,000, 84,000 and 14,250 shares, respectively, and options
held by all executive officers and directors as a group to purchase 266,395
shares.
(c) Includes 440 shares held by members of Mr. Bassi's family.
(d) The Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) hold for the benefit
of participants 881,748 shares of Common Stock, all of which are attributed
in the table to each of the five trustees, who are the same for each Plan.
The trustees are obligated to vote the shares which are allocated to
participants in accordance with instructions given by such participants,
all of which were allocated at July 1, 2001. Any unallocated shares are
voted by the trustees. The trustees, and the number of shares allocated to
their accounts are as follows: Mr. Seaberg (69,210 shares); Mr. Booe
(37,639 shares); Mr. Cahill (11,909 shares); Mr. Rindom (7,637 shares); and
Mr. Schrick (23,557 shares). A total of 73,945 shares are allocated to the
accounts of all other officers and directors. The number and percentage of
ownership shown after the names of each of the Trustees in the table above
do not include any of the 881,748 shares, or any of the shares allocated to
their individual accounts. Accordingly the aggregate beneficial ownership
for each of the Trustees may be deemed to be the individual amounts shown,
plus 881,748 shares and 10.75%.
(e) Includes 40,000 shares held by Mr. Booe's wife.
(f) The Cray Family Trust holds 333 shares of Preferred Stock which are
attributed in the table to the trustees, who share the power to vote and
dispose of such shares. The trustees are Mr. Cray, Jr., Mr. Seaberg and Mr.
Richard B. Cray.
(g) Includes 189,763 shares of Common Stock held by the Cray Medical Research
Foundation with respect to which Mr. Cray, Jr. is a director and 570,765
shares of Common Stock held by other family trusts with respect to which
Mr. Cray, Jr. or his spouse is a trustee, and 40,000 shares held by the
Cloud L. Cray Foundation.
(h) Includes 333 shares of Preferred Stock held by the Cray Family Trust and
40,000 shares of Common Stock held by a foundation with respect to which
Mr. Richard B. Cray is a Trustee.
(i) Includes 6,590 shares held by Mr. Reintjes' wife.
(j) Includes 3,103 shares held by a trust for the benefit of Mr. Rindom's wife.
15
(k) Includes 3,246 shares held by members of Mr. Schrick's family.
(l) Includes 106,585 shares held by Mr. Seaberg's wife.
(m) Includes shares discussed under notes (a) through (j) as well as shares
held by members of the families of officers not listed in the table.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the
Company's Common Stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership
with the SEC and NASDAQ. Executive officers, directors and greater-than-10%
beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the
copies of such forms furnished to the Company, the Company believes that during
fiscal 2001 all of its executive officers, directors and greater-than-10%
beneficial owners complied with the Section 16(a) filing requirements except
that, due to an administrative oversight, Mr. Robert G. Booe failed to file a
Form 4 with respect to one transaction involving the sales of an aggregate of
10,000 shares by him and his wife. The transaction has been reported in an
amended Form 5.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors has selected the firm of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson as
independent certified public accountants to audit the books, records and
accounts of the Company for 2001. The selection was made upon the recommendation
of the Audit Review Committee, which, at the time of such recommendation,
consisted of Mr. Reintjes, Chairman, and Messrs. Braude, Haverty, Schaller and
Ms. Miller. Baird, Kurtz & Dobson has audited the Company's books annually since
1958.
Representatives of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson will be present at the stockholders'
meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
PROXY SOLICITATIONS
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company will
reimburse brokers, banks or other persons for reasonable expenses in sending
proxy material to beneficial owners. Proxies may be solicited through the mail
and through telephonic or telegraphic communications to, or by meetings with,
stockholders or their representatives by directors, officers and other employees
of the Company who will receive no additional compensation therefor.
Stockholders who intend to present proposals for inclusion in the Company's
Proxy Statement for the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders on October 10, 2002
must forward them to the Company at 1300 Main Street, Box 130, Atchison, Kansas
66002, Attention: Robert G. Booe, Chief Financial Officer, so that they are
received on or before May 18, 2002. In addition, proxies solicited by
16
management may confer discretionary authority to vote on matters which are not
included in the proxy statement but which are raised at the Annual Meeting by
Stockholders, unless the Company receives written notice of the matter on or
before July 31, 2002, at the above address.
HOUSEHOLDING
Only one copy of the Company's Annual Report and Proxy Statement has been
sent to multiple stockholders of the Company who share the same address and last
name, unless the Company has received contrary instructions from one or more of
those stockholders. This procedure is referred to as "householding". In
addition, the Company has been notified that certain intermediaries, i.e.,
brokers or banks, will household proxy materials. The Company will deliver
promptly, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the Annual Report and
Proxy Statement to any stockholder at the same address. If you wish to receive a
separate copy of the Annual Report and Proxy Statement, you may write to the
Corporate Secretary of the Company at Midwest Grain Products, 1300 Main Street,
P.O . Box 130, Atchison, Kansas 66002. You can contact your broker or bank to
make a similar request. Stockholders sharing an address who now receive multiple
copies of the Company's Annual Report and Proxy Statement may request delivery
of a single copy by writing or calling the Company at the above address or by
contacting their broker or bank, provided they have determined to household
proxy materials.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Laidacker M. Seaberg
Laidacker M. Seaberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
September 14, 2001
17
MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC.
[GRAPHIC_OMITTED]
1300 Main Street, P.O. Box 130
Atchison, Kansas 66002-0130
Phone 913-367-1480
www.midwestgrain.com
[Logo] MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC. PROXY
1300 Main street, Atchison, Kansas 66002 PREFERRED STOCK
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned appoints Cloud L. Cray, Jr., Laidacker M. Seaberg and
Robert G. Booe, or any of them, each with full power to appoint his substitute,
proxies to vote, in the manner specified on the reverse hereof, all of the
shares of Preferred Stock of Midwest Grain Products, Inc. held by the
undersigned at the Annual Meeting of stockholders to be held on October 11,
2001, or at any adjournment thereof.
The undersigned has received the Company's Annual Report for 2001, and its
Proxy Statement.
This Proxy is revocable and it shall not be voted if the undersigned is
present and voting in person.
____________________________________
Stockholder's Signature
____________________________________
Stockholder's Signatures
Dated_______________________________
Please sign exactly as your name(s)
appear above. Joint owners should
each sign. Executors, trustees,
custodians, etc., should indicate
the capacity in which they are
signing.
PLEASE RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE.
(Continued from other side)
The Board of Directors Recommends a vote FOR the following proposals:
1. Election of two Group B Directors for terms expiring in 2004. The Board of
Directors has nominated:
Cloud L. Cray, Jr. and Robert J. Reintjes
[ ] FOR both Nominees [ ] AUTHORITY WITHHELD from both Nominees
[ ] AUTHORITY WITHHELD from the following Nominee:__________________________
2. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN WHEN THE DULY EXECUTED PROXY IS RETURNED,
THE SHARES WILL BE VOTED "FOR" BOTH NOMINEES UNDER PROPOSAL 1.
BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.
[Logo] MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC. PROXY
1300 Main Street, Atchison, Kansas 66002 COMMON STOCK
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Theundersigned appoints Cloud L. Cray, Jr., Laidacker M. Seaberg and Robert
G. Booe, or any of them, each with full power to appoint his substitute, proxies
to vote, in the manner specified on the reverse hereof, all of the shares of
Common Stock of Midwest Grain Products, Inc. held by the undersigned at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 11, 2001, or at any
adjournment thereof.
The undersigned has received the Company's Annual Report for 2001, and its
Proxy Statement.
This Proxy is revocable and it shall not be voted if the undersigned is
present and voting in person.
________________________________________
Stockholder's Signature
________________________________________
Stockholder's Signature
Dated___________________________________
Please sign exactly as your name(s)
appear above. Joint owners should
each sign. Executors, trustees,
custodians, etc., should indicate
the capacity in which they are
signing.
PLEASE RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE.
(Continued from other side)
The Proxies are hereby given the following authority:
1. Election of one Group A Director for a term expiring in 2004. The Board has
nominated: James A. Schlindwein
[ ] FOR Nominee [ ] AUTHORITY WITHHELD from Nominee
2. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN WHEN THE DULY EXECUTED PROXY IS RETURNED, THE SHARES
WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE NOMINEE UNDER PROPOSAL 1.
BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.
September 14, 2001
TO: Participants in the Midwest Grain Products, Inc.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Provisions of the Midwest Grain Products, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(the "Plan") entitle participants to instruct the Trustee of the Plan as to the
voting of Midwest Grain Products, Inc. Common Stock allocated to the accounts of
participants. Accordingly, please find enclosed a form of instruction card that
will permit you to direct the Trustee as to the voting of Common Stock allocated
to your accounts in the Plan with respect to proposals to be acted upon at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on October 11, 2001.
We are also enclosing a copy of the Company's Annual Report for 2001 and its
Proxy Statement, unless you are being mailed one as a record holder of Common
Stock.
Please promptly complete and sign the instruction card and return it in the
enclosed envelope.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
/s/Laidacker M. Seaberg
Laidacker M. Seaberg
President and
Chief Executive Officer
MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
C/O Midwest Grain Products, Inc.
1300 Main Street, Atchison, Kansas 66002
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE VOTING OF MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC. COMMON STOCK
The undersigned hereby instructs United Missouri Bank of Kansas City, N.A. as
Trustee of the Midwest Grain Products, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
"ESPP"), to vote, in the manner specified on the reverse hereof, all of the
shares of Common Stock of Midwest Grain Products, Inc. held by the ESPP and
allocated to the account of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on October 11, 2001, or at any adjournment thereof.
The undersigned has received the Company's Annual Report for 2001 and its
Proxy Statement.
________________________________
Accountholder's Signature
Accountholder Dated:__________________________
Number of Shares Allocated to Account:______________
PLEASE RETURN THIS INSTRUCTION CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE.
(Continued from other side)
The Board of Directors Recommends a vote FOR the following proposals:
1. Election of one Group A Director for a term expiring in 2004. The Board of
Directors has nominated: James A. Schlindwein
[ ] FOR Nominee [ ] AUTHORITY WITHHELD from Nominee
2. In their discretion, the Trustee is authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN WHEN THE DULY EXECUTED INSTRUCTION CARD
IS RETURNED, THE SHARES WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE NOMINEE UNDER PROPOSAL 1.
BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.
September 14, 2001
TO: Participants in the
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Provisions of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "Plan") entitle
participants to instruct the Trustees of the Plan as to the voting of Midwest
Grain Products, Inc. Common Stock allocated to the accounts of participants.
Accordingly, please find enclosed a form of instruction card that will permit
you to direct the Trustees as to the voting of Common Stock allocated to your
accounts in the Plan with respect to proposals to be acted upon at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on October 11, 2001.
We are also enclosing a copy of the Company's Annual Report for 2001 and its
Proxy Statement, unless you are being mailed one as a record holder of Common
Stock.
Please promptly complete and sign the instruction card and return it in the
enclosed envelope.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Laidacker M. Seaberg
Laidacker M. Seaberg
President and
Chief Executive Officer
MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
C/O Midwest Grain Products, Inc.
1300 Main Street, Atchison, Kansas 66002
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE VOTING OF MIDWEST GRAIN PRODUCTS, INC. COMMON STOCK
The undersigned hereby instructs Laidacker M. Seaberg, Robert G. Booe, Brian
Cahill, Dave Rindom and Randy Schrick, as Trustees of the Employee Stock
Ownership Plan indicated below (the "ESOP"), or any of them, to vote, in the
manner specified on the reverse hereof, all of the shares of Common Stock of
Midwest Grain Products, Inc. held by the ESOP and allocated to the account of
the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of stockholders to be held on October 11,
2001, or at any adjournment thereof.
The undersigned has received the Company's Annual Report for 2001 and its Proxy
Statement.
Name of ESOP:______________________________
________________________________
Accountholder's Signature
Accountholder Dated:__________________________
Number of Shares Allocated to Account:__________
PLEASE RETURN THIS INSTRUCTION CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE.
(Continued from other side)
The Board of Directors Recommends a vote FOR the following proposals:
1. Election of one Group A Director for a term expiring in 2004. The Board of
Directors has nominated: James A. Schlindwein
[ ] FOR Nominee [ ] AUTHORITY WITHHELD from Nominee
2. In their discretion, the Trustees are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN WHEN THE DULY EXECUTED INSTRUCTION CARD IS RETURNED,
THE SHARES WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE NOMINEE UNDER PROPOSAL 1.
BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.